tma

We are staying at the Williamsburg Colonial Houses (one of the taverns) in September. Any comments on these accommodations would be appreciated. Would also like some dining recommendations. Do we need to make reservations for dinner before we arrive - we will be there for 3 nights.

Gekko

Generally it's a good idea to make reservations in advance for the restaurants/taverns in the historic area (Shield's Tavern, Christiana Campbell's, etc.). You might be able to do so via the website:

www.colonialwilliamsburg.org

When I stay at the Inn or Lodge, the concierge efficiently handles dinner arrangements -- perhaps contact the Colonial Houses for assistance.

obxgirl

There is no separate number for the colonial houses. The phone contact for any of Colonial Williamsburg's restaurants can be found at the website Gekko mentioned. I'd recommend booking for the colonial taverns but if you're interested in dining at the Inn or the Lodge, book when you arrive.

Retired_teacher

Last summer I stayed in two different houses in Colonial Williamsburg over a four day period. Both were lovely, well decorated with colonial period reproductions. The central air conditioning system in each house was adequate for the 100+ temperatures that we were experiencing at the time, although one unit was rather noisy. The bathrooms were rather dated for a rooms in that price range, although that may have been done to increase the period feeling. (Does a 40's style bathroom fit better with an early America decor than a 90's style?) The location really made the value with these properties for you had the ability to stroll down the Duke of Glouster Street at midnight or watch the sun come up from your back porch while sheep grazed in the lot next door.

Regarding dinner reservations, Christiana Campbell's is known for its seafood and I would recommend doing a brunch in the Williamsburg Inn.

marilynl

You will love the very special feeling you get from staying in the historic district, away from cars and (at least at night and in the early mornings) crowds. We were very happy with the house we had on Duke of Gloucester Street, with one bedroom down and one up. Nice period furnishings (wing back chairs, four-poster beds, etc.), bathrooms comfortable but not too modern. The plaster walls give the rooms a very special feel by themselves. Reserving in advance on the web site for the colonial taverns is a good idea, the concierge could probably help after arrival for other dining options. I can't say that any of the restaurants seemed especially memorable for the food, but do try a colonial tavern for an evening without electric lighting!

E

Other than the CW restaurants, any one of which you should indeed try one night, I would suggest Berrett's, a seafood restaurant just off Duke of Gloucester street, and the Trellis, which isn't as good as it used to be but is still good (it's on D. of G. street). If you're willing to drive a bit, there have been several other restaurants in the area recommended in other threads here on CW--do a search for recent ones. Have fun!

lippincottfarm

Definitely make your dinner reservations now. Also schedule an evening program or two which are put on by Colonial Williamsburg. They will work with you to arrange dinner and the program. I wasn't impressed with the Trellis. It is hot, loud and over priced. There are a bunch of restaurants off site which are good. We like Le Yucca (I think that's how its spelled) which is about ten minutes away. Barretts is okay. Quite honestly, other than Le Yucca, we don't eat off site. Chownings is good; Christina Campbells is good; the Inn is really good but very expensive. The Lodge is fine also. They have a buffet Friday and Saturday night if you like buffets. The atmosphere of staying at the taverns is great. You can't beat walking down the street at ten at night. You actually feel like you are part of the colonial era. Ask for a room that fronts the street. You can watch the parades and other activities from your room. Have fun.

E

It's Le Yaca. To each his own--I found Le Yaca overpriced. It wants to be an elegant French country style place, but it's more suburban strip mall in ambience. But it wasn't bad--perhaps we expected too much.